On this day: December 12

Ol' Blue Eyes is born, Boys Town is founded, the first motel opens, "The Godfather: Part II" premieres, and the U.S. Supreme Court decides the 2000 presidential election, all on this day.

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United Artists

1939: American actor Douglas Fairbanks, best known for his swashbuckling roles in silent films such as "The Thief of Bagdad," "Robin Hood" and "The Mark of Zorro," dies at the age of 56 in Santa Monica, California, a day after having a heart attack in his sleep. Fairbanks was also a founding member of United Artists and The Motion Picture Academy, hosting the first Oscars ceremony in 1929. He's seen here in his final movie, 1934's "The Private Life of Don Juan."

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